SALEM - John W. Thomas, 61, of Salem, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born in Cambridge on Aug. 18, 1949, and was the son of the late Kenneth Robert Thomas and Margaret Fleming Johnson Thomas. Following graduation from Cambridge High School in 1967 John began the process of becoming a funeral director, which was to become his life's work. He attended the University of Baltimore, served his apprenticeship under his father and in September of 1971 graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. The following year he passed his state board and became a licensed mortician. John has been involved in the family business since 1967 and at the passing of his father in February of 1986 he and his brother, Kenny Jr. became equal partners. In June of 2003 John became sole owner of the business. John was an Exempt Member of Rescue Fire Co. Inc., having been an active member for 15 years, and having served as President and Vice President. He was a Past Master of Cambridge Lodge No. 66 A.F. & A.M. where he served as Secretary for ten years, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Boumi Shriners. John was also a member of the Eastern Shore Shrine Club, where he served as President in 2000, and also served as Secretary for nine years. John served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1971 to 1977. He was also a member of Friendship United Methodist Church where he played with the "Friendship Four", American Legion Post 91, long time supporter of Relay for Life and Past Patron of Minerva Chapter # 50 Order of Eastern Star. Among John's interests were his 1966 Mustang convertible, visiting Walt Disney World and travelling with his family in the R.V. He is survived by his wife, the former Janet Sue Carr, to whom he was married on June 16, 1979; two daughters, Caitlyn Brooke Thomas and Emily Jo Thomas, all of Salem; a brother, Kenneth R. Thomas, Jr. and wife Debbie of Cambridge; a sister, Ann C. Moore and husband Neal of Naples, Fla.; parents-in-law, Harold and Marilyn Carr of Cambridge; nieces and nephews, K. Michael Thomas of Elkridge, Md., N. Roger Moore of Ijamsville, Md., Barbara E. Fedrizzi of Finksburg, Md., Katherine E. Kern of Waxhall, N.C., Helen M. Thomas of Moab, Utah, and T. Lance Moore of Lakeway, Texas. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Linda T. Elliott; and an infant son, Harold Kenneth Thomas. Pallbearers will be LaValle C. Boyce, Brian K. Burton, Gary R. Newcomb, Donald W. Abbott, K. Michael Thomas, N. Roger Moore, Jeffrey O. Hurley, and David L. Thomas, Jr.. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold E. Carr, Jr., M. Hollie Smith, Russell M. Justis, Alpheus Tolley, Michael R. Hubbard and the staff of Thomas Funeral Home. A Masonic memorial service will be conducted by officers and members of Cambridge Lodge # 66, A.F. & A.M. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Thomas Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow with Rev. Mary Ann Farnell officiating. Burial will follow at Old Trinity Churchyard. Friends will be received by his family from noon to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the Friendship United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Doris Weber, 5163 Maple Dam Road, Cambridge, MD 21613.